Consequences of Driving a Truck While under the Influence

Consumer products have to be transported from one area to the
other to satisfy the supply and demand and maintain a stable economy. Products
are being transported by means of freight trains, cargo ships, semi-trucks and
so forth. Just like train engineers and ship captains, drivers of a semi-truck
have to follow federal and state guidelines while transporting them.

The guidelines are actually set out by FMCSA (Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration) and they regulate the number of hours a day
people can drive a rig, do logbook maintenance, and take mandatory rest. With
strict time limits to meet and products to move, drivers of a truck may reach
for alcohol or drugs as a means to stay alert.

One of the illegal things in every US state is DUI (driving
under the influence). A BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of 0.08 percent is also
illegal for your average driver, but truck drivers are considered impaired when
0.04 percent alcohol content is in their blood. Impairment is not limited
strictly to alcohol. Heroin, marijuana, prescription medications, and cocaine
are controlled substances, which influence truck drivers. They have been found
in their blood after they caused a truck accident.

Accident Involving Truck
Driving under the Influence

Causing accidents while driving, say, an 18-wheeler also has dire
consequences, the kinds of which are life altering for those who are involved
in the accident. The possibility of property damage, personal injury,
disability and demise are more when the crash is between a car that weighs
2,000 pounds and semi-truck that weighs 80,000 pounds. People in the car have a
small chance of survival. If they do, then they often sustain life-changing
injuries. This leaves victims and their family members to cope with the
accident’s aftermath.

Although semi-trucks are large, there are many mid-size
delivery trucks causing as much damage. Firms employing delivery truck drivers
may also be lax regarding rules and hire those who do not have the required
credentials to drive one such truck. They are under as much work pressure as semi-truck
driver to deliver goods in a timely way and can lead to truck accidents,
particularly if they are under the influence.

When delivery truck or semi-truck accidents take place and its
operator was driving under the influence, the right course of action has to be
taken. Accident victims will often suffer debilitating injuries, and may not be
able to lead a normal life. When demise occurs, their family members will be
left with medical and funeral costs, all while they cope with their loved one’s
loss.

If you have or your loved has been through one lately, then
hire a truck wreck lawyer who will fight the case on your behalf.